The Japanese sword, often epitomized by the katana, is more than just a weapon. It is a symbol of Japan’s rich cultural history, craftsmanship, and the ideals of the samurai who wielded it. Known for ...

Few weapons achieve iconic status, but the samurai sword would definitely belong at the top of that short list. Samurai Sword: Making of a Legend examines the weapon's rich history, painstakingly ...

The traditional katana sword is fashioned only from the purest steel, which the Japanese call tamahagane ("jewel steel"). Over three days and three nights, smelters using ancient techniques shovel ...